Naperville native carves books into artwork

Naperville native Brian Dettmer, the "book surgeon," will exhibit his sculptures carved from books through April 28 at Aurora University.

Dettmer uses knives, tweezers, surgical instruments and glue to carve sculptures from old books, newspapers, maps, record albums and cassette tapes.

"Art of Facts: Brian Dettmer," a free, public display, is on display at the university's Schingoethe Center at the Hill Welcome Center, 1315 Prairie St., Aurora. Admission and parking are free.

In a companion exhibit, Schingoethe Center's rare books and American Indian artifacts will be displayed.

Dettmer and Meg Bero, Schingoethe executive director, co-curated the display. A film interview of Dettmer also will be screened.

Schingoethe Center hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays. For details, call (630) 844-7843 or visit aurora.edu/museum.

"I begin with an existing book and seal its edges, creating an enclosed vessel full of unearthed potential," Dettmer said.

"I cut into the surface of the book and dissect it from the front. I work with knives, tweezers and surgical tools to carve out one page at a time, exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the book is relocated or implanted, only removed.

"By altering physical forms of information and shifting preconceived functions, new and unexpected roles emerge."

Born in Naperville, Dettmer lived in and around Chicago until 2006, earning a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Columbia College Chicago in 1997. During school and following graduation, he worked as an artist and in positions related to graphics and signage design.

In 2006, he moved with his wife to Atlanta, where he worked as a studio artist. In 2013, Dettmer and his family relocated to New York City, where he continues his work today.